Weekly Family Update Issue # 9
October 6, 2019
Principal's Message
Hello Falcon Families,
Happy October! Fall is in the air. The cooler temperatures in the morning have been a welcome change as I stand out on the corner each morning. We are in the middle of our "Step it Up" ASB fundraiser and things are going really well. For those of you who are new to middle school, our Associate Student Body (ASB) is the student government component of our school. We have an ASB class during the school day and the students in this class are responsible for the planning and execution of our school-wide activities. The students fundraise each year to put on various events and activities for all students. The funds earned from the "Step it Up" fundraiser will go directly towards our ASB program. This is not an adult fundraiser; it is a kid’s fundraiser. The students hope to fund activities like our 8th grade luau, family movie nights, school dances, the school-wide unity shirts, lunchtime music and games, and many other activities. This year, they also have the goal to paint a Falcon mural in our quad. We really appreciate their hard work planning for this fundraiser and appreciate the generous support our community has given. Thank so much Oak Valley Community!!
This past Friday we hosted our annual Oak Valley Invitational Cross County meet, and Coach Kenny put on another phenomenal event. We had close to 400 students from across the district participate in a race around our campus. Ribbons were awarded and everyone had a blast. This is the 15th year we have held this event and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Thanks for all your hard work Coach Kenny, you continue to do an amazing job providing this opportunity for our students!
We have our second group of 6th grade camp students leaving tomorrow for Camp Cuyamaca. I hope they enjoy the experience as much as our first group did; I have heard many stories of the fond memories that were made. I will be headed up to visit throughout the week. I am really looking forward to the all day hike!
Thanks for all you do for our Oak Valley Community! Go Falcons!
Beaming with Falcon Pride,
Mr. Young
Colin Young
Principal
Oak Valley Middle School
6th Grade Camp Information
This is a message for those students attending camp the week of October 7 - 11:
You may begin mailing letters directly to camp now so that your child receives it on time. Please send to: Camp Cuyamaca 12561 Hwy 79, Descanso, CA 91916,” ATTN: Child’s Name / Oak Valley Middle” or, if more convenient, bring your letter(s) to the Oak Valley Assistant Principal’s office no later than 3PM on Tuesday, Tuesday, October 8, 2019. If you would like your student to send mail back to you in return, please provide your student with envelopes and stamps (or postcards); self-addressed is best!
An informational flyer with more detailed information about camp as well as a packing list is attached.
I really like Mrs. Lizzari's bulletin board, very creative!
Murder On The OVMS Express
“Murder on the OVMS Express” is coming! It’s a Halloween Murder Mystery With A Science Twist, Friday October 18th from 6:00 – 9:00pm. Pre-sale tickets are $8.00 each ($10.00 at the door); and can be purchased from your child’s science teacher, at lunch or online (link will take you to the OVMS online store, select, "Mystery on the OVMS Express" from the drop down menu). Buy your tickets early, this event sold out last time! For more information, see the attached flyer.
Oak Valley Falcon Foundation
THANK YOU to all that have contributed to the Oak Valley Falcon Foundation already!
For those of you that have not, we need YOUR help. Oak Valley would not be able to provide our students the 'World Class' education you have become accustomed to without YOUR support.
In addition to funding technology, supporting the Science Dept, Science Olympiad, Robotics Team and other student needs, our main funding goal this year is to raise money for new shade structures to be installed with the construction of the new building. The new building is planned for completion next summer, and set to begin classroom use by next fall. So for many of you, your child will directly benefit from your donation.
Our goal is to raise $125,000 for 5 new shade structures that will provide over 1600 sq ft. of shade for our students during lunch and other outdoor activities. Thus far we have raised $79,000, and need YOUR help to get us there. Likewise, any family donating $300 or more will get their name on a commemorative plaque immortalizing your commitment and contribution to our school, but any donation amount helps.
You can donate online at: www.oakvalleyfalconfoundation.com
Thank you for your support!
David Li
President, Oak Valley Falcon Foundation
GATE Testing
If you wish to sign up your child for GATE testing, the online test registration window will be open September 9th - November 22nd. This link will take you directly to the PUSD website where you can register your child online. For families unable to complete the registration online, please see the front office for a paper copy. The testing date this year is Wednesday, January 15th. After completing the registration online, the school will be contacting you following Winter Break to remind you of this date. Students will be excused from class approximately one hour in order to participate in testing during the regular school day. Students who took the January 2019 GATE Test, and have tested no more than two times in the Poway Unified School District ARE eligible for the January 2020 GATE test administration. Notification regarding GATE testing results will be mailed to parents in April, 2020.
Mrs. Grissom does an amazing lesson on mosaics in her social studies classes. Students practice the art of creating mosaics in preparation for their field trip to the Getty Museum.
ESS
Does your falcon enjoy being active and participating in games and activities?
Being able to collaborate and work on homework with their peers?
Having access to the school library and computers to complete homework?
Oak Valley ESS is for you and
We are open for enrollment!
Hours of Operation:
6:30am- 8:20am Monday – Friday (9:20am) Late Start Tuesdays
3:05pm-6:00pm Monday- Friday
*We are also open at dismissal on planned minimum days and Professional Growth Days. Plus, the opportunity to enroll for President’s week and Spring Break.
Students are provided a light afternoon snack when arriving from school each day. While at ESS, the students are provided at least one hour to work on their homework, daily. Most often, homework time is offered in the library, where they have access to textbooks and computers. While OV ESS staff is always ready and willing to provide help with homework and answer any questions that our students may have, it is important to note that ESS is not a homework club. Students also have the opportunity to participate in staff planned daily projects, activities, crafts, and/or organized games, while spending time here at ESS
If you have any questions or are interested in signing up please feel free to contact us.
OVMS ESS Supervisor, Donnie Kirchmeier (dkirchmeier@powayusd.com)
Direct phone line: (858) 676-6978 Cell Phone: (858) 776-4186
Oak Valley Middle School
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT: https://www.instagram.com/principalmryoung/
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AT: https://twitter.com/principalcolin
Email: coyoung@powayusd.com
Website: https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/MS/OVMS/Home
Location: 16055 Winecreek Road
Phone: (858)487-2939